Saturday Specialty Critique and Results

Western Washington Whippet Association - 23rd Specialty, August 1, 2009

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"] Best of Breed: CH Starline's Chanel

Complete 2009 specialty results are available from the BaRay website. Official win photos are available from Ann Lynn Photography. Ringside candids of many of the entries are available from Beth Levine and Kirsten Hopperstad.

Judge - Geir Flyckt-Pedersen, Hubbestad Whippets

Firstly: Thank you for this invitation and for showing some lovely dogs under me.

As some of you might know, I have been surrounded by Whippets for the last 25 years- in England, Sweden as well as in the US! And although I am originally a devoted terrier and spaniel breeder, Greyhounds have for many years been an important part of our lives. Currently the household is ruled by Whippets only- and you cannot find a more delightful breed to live with!

It is also one of my favorite breeds to judge. The variety in type and sizes can make for many difficult decisions.

Having judged the breed in several countries by the UK/FCI standard it might be a different story judging by the AKC standard. As many of you will know, the US standard gives max height for dogs as 22" (2o" in the UK) bitches 21" (18.5" UK), which can easily create a totally different animal. But in my opinion they must still be Whippets and not end up looking like small Greyhounds which some of the larger dogs may easily do!

[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"] Best Opposite Sex: CH Strebor's Life of the Party

I was initially not asked to do a critique from the show, which means I did not take any notes. So not to risk "offending" anybody underservedly, I will make a few general comments on my overall impressions plus comment on my winners - that I still have clear pictures of in my head.

Some of my main concerns at this show were eyes and expressions. The UK standard says nothing about eye size, but the standard here asks for a large eye! The number of small, beady eyes were surprising - and to me a correct expression is such a vital ingredience for the entire picture.

Also ear size. Definitely a problem in this country. The standard calls for “small, fine in texture” - but so many have large, thick ears. And in my opinion - a small, beady eye in combination with a large ear is not particularly attractive.

A few dogs also had rather heavy, thick bone- with a rather unrefined head. A Whippet should be elegant and refined, lack of bone is also undesirable, but too much can create a serious problem regarding breed-type!

A few dogs had also over-angulated hindquarters! Over-angulation - however attractive it makes the picture of a dog standing - is in my opinion a serious weakness.

I don’t think I have ever seen an over-angulated racing or coursing star in either Greyhounds or Whippets - and I think that confirms my theory!

Regarding movement: There seems to be a trend to move the dogs round the ring at a speed appropriate for a GSD. Give the dogs a chance to put their feet on the ground at a pace where it is possible for a judge to stand back and enjoy the picture of a dog moving effortlessly round the ring and a chance to see that long, low reach in front which is so attractive in both Greyhounds and Whippets. The breed was never made to fly!!!

But - as I said at the start of these comments - I had the pleasure of judging many excellent dogs, shown in great form and well presented and handled. The average handler in this country is far superior to handlers in most other countries - and this definitely makes the job of judging the dogs so much easier.

My Best of Breed winner Ch. Starline’s Chanel was an old acquaintance, as I judged her last year in Del Valle and made her BOB even there.

She is of a type which would be appreciated anywhere in the world. She has class and quality written all over here. Her head and expression just delightful, her neck balances her body and her outline is lovely. She is a Whippet through and through, lovely bone, legs and feet. Moved soundly coming and going - went round the ring at a pace I think fits her and the breed! Shown in glorious form.

My Best of Opposite came from the Veteran class: Ch Strebor’s Life of the Party. Just over 7 years old, which is not old for a Whippet. Not really glamorous, but so typical and balanced throughout. All male, excellent overall balance and proportions, he moved well and was shown in good condition. Well handled.

My Best of Winners was the bitch Lost Creek A Taste of Red. I really liked this girl. Feminine head, good length of neck and excellent overall proportions. Well angulated both ends. Moved well and shown in good form.

My Winners Dog was: Lost Creek Vendange. I was told was the litter brother to above. Very similar in type. Lovely head, good length of neck - and his outline was excellent. Good body and bone and shown in good condition.

Must have been a very satisfactory litter!

My reserve WD was Cottonwoods Melts Like Butter of Chelsea. In many ways similar to the winner. Not a big one, but still masculine. In great form and moved well

My reserve WB from the 6-9 month class Endeavor’s White Rose of Nysa Hill. It is always risky to put up a puppy, but this one I would have taken with me home without hesitation!

I liked everything about her, just needs time, maturity and more experience! Will follow her progress with interest!

1 Award of Merit: Chelsea Chamisal. A really lovely bitch who certainly gave the BOB a run for her money. Full of quality and type. A lovely outline and a sound mover. Liked her lots.

2 Award of Merit: Ch Carry On Von Dutch. This brindle dog has a so much to like about him. Typical, balanced and he moved well. Would have like him to carry more weight. He comes from an excellent breeder, has an excellent sire - and it shows.

JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP.

Only 5 participants, but they were all good!

The winner was a very accomplished young lady, Lindsey McKim, who did an excellent job .

Geir Flyckt-Pedersen

From the catalog...

Best of Breed: CH STARLINE'S CHANEL. HP28854802. 12/13/07. Brdr: Lori Lawrence, Carey Lawrence,Dianne Bowen, CH Sumbeam Rembrandt of Endeavor - CH Starline's Dream Date. Owners: Lori Lawrence, Carey Lawrence Agent: Lori Wilson (Bitch)

Best Opposite Sex: CH STREBOR'S LIFE OF THE PARTY. HN00361601. 7/25/02. Brdr: Charles R Roberts,Jeanette Dorsey, CH MORLAIS IMAGINE AT WHIMSY - CH STREBOR'S ENGAGE. Owners: Charles R Roberts (Dog)

Award of Merit: CHELSEA CHAMISAL. HP28111801. 10/18/07. Brdr: Deann Christianson,Joetta Melton, CH CHELSEA CHALCEDONY - CH CHELSEA HOT SMOKE AND SASSAFRAS. Owners: Deann Christianson, Joetta Melton

Award of Merit: CH CARRY ON VON DUTCH SC. HP25307801. 10/7/04. Brdr: Ewa Westerlund, CH ADAGIO NO REGRETS - CH CARRY ON EBONY. Owners: Linne Wagner (Dog)

Winners Dog: LOST CREEK VENDANGE. HP28635701. 9/5/07. Brdr: Helen Brettell, CH LOST CREEK BZANTIUM GALEWIND - CH CASTLECREST'S FIRESTORM. Owners: Helen Brettell ,Chris Downing

Reserve Winners Dog: COTTONWOOD MELTS LIKE BUTTER OF CHELSEA. HP31511706. 7/2/08. Brdr: Sue Carbajal,Harriet Vincent,Deann Christianson, CH SURREY HILL'S GOLDEN BOY, JC - CH CHELSEA MELT EVERYONE, JC. Owners: Jane Ashley-Fennell

Winners Bitch, Best of Winners: LOST CREEK A TASTE OF RED. HP28635710. 9/5/07. Brdr: Helen Brettell, CAN. CH LOST CREEK BZANTIUM GALEWIND - AM. CAN. CH CASTLECREST FIRE STORM. Owners: Mary Downing, Helen Brettell

Reserve Winners Bitch: ENDEAVOR'S WHITE ROSES ON NYSA HILL. HP32992001. 1/14/09. Brdr: Linda Stewart,Angie Diehl,Dennis Sumara, CH ABLEAIM KODAK MOMENTS - CH BRUSHWOOD'S MOXI OF ENDEAVOR. Owners: Jeannine Shepherd,Linda SmithAgent: Pamela Louise Sage AKC Registered Handler

Sweepstakes (Judge: Erin Campbell)

Best in Sweeps: SHANTELLIE'S SILKROCK SMOOTHIE. HP30559905. 5/13/08. Brdr: Pamela J. Campbell, SHANTELLIE IT'S MY PARTY JC - CH WINDIGO'S REBELLIOUS ELLIE MAE JC. Owners: Pamela J Campbell

Best Opposite in Sweeps: CAMELOT SUMMIT OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS. HP29633602. 2/17/08. Brdr: Janis Castle, Arthur Castle, Susan Vernon, ZAFARA RAINBOW CONNECTION - SHANNON DOWN SHAKIN THE TREE. Owners: Art Castle,Janis Castle,Susan Vernon

Best in Veteran Sweeps: CH STREBOR'S LIFE OF THE PARTY. HN00361601. 7/25/02. Brdr: Charles R Roberts,Jeanette Dorsey, CH MORLAIS IMAGINE AT WHIMSY - CH STREBOR'S ENGAGE. Owners: Charles R Roberts

Best Opposite in Veteran Sweeps: CH WILDASPEN'S LETZ DO TH'WILD THANG SC. HM98478901. 8/18/01. Brdr: Tawnya Brumbaugh,Dixie Rae, CH WILDCARD-N-SNOWCAP SOVEREIGN JC - CH SNOWROSE WILD THING. Owners: Heather Badgett,Tawnya Brumbaugh[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Events, ResultsBeth LevineNovember 11, 2009

Saturday Specialty Critique and Results

Western Washington Whippet Association - 23rd Specialty, August 1, 2009

Judge - Geir Flyckt-Pedersen, Hubbestad Whippets

From the catalog...

Upcoming Events

Recent News